Unforgettable Memories | Xiao x Reader

Chapter Eleven

"The best way to not get your heart broken is to pretend you don't have one."

~~~~~~

After the conversation with Xiao, the both of you went back to Mondstat. The walk there was undoubtedly awkward since the adeptus had just told you about his past while also confessing his feelings to you. The worst part of all of that though was that you didn't even remember any of what he had told you. At point, you even doubted the truthfulness of the story.

Soon, the two of you finally made it to the entrance of the city of freedom and dandelions and were greeted by none other than Aether, the traveler that you had accompanied.

"Where did you guys go?" Aether crossed his arms as he leaned on the wall. "When Kaeya had said that you and Xiao left somewhere, I got worried so I tried to look for you."

Neither you or Xiao replied and Aether could feel the awkwardness in the air. No one wanted to talk or rather no one knew how to talk to break the silence.

"Hello," a blonde haired lady said. "You must be y/n and Xiao. It's an honor to meet you. I am Jean, the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonious."

"Hello Ms. Jean," you smiled, shaking her hand. "It's nice to meet you too."

Xiao simply nodded in greeting. Jean smiled and waved off his silence like a professional.

"I've heard a lot about you from Aether," Jean said. "He said that you were wonderful party members. I am truly grateful that you are assisting Aether in his travels."

"No it's my honor," you gave a small laugh. "The adventures that we had were very fun."

"That's wonderful."

"Sorry to break the bubble," Aether interrupted. "But we have a commission from Jean. The Abyss Order has been very active lately so we have to go check out one of the areas where they have been active."

Jean bowed her head, "I truly am sorry for this but we are in need of your assistance. As much as I hate to say it, the Favonious Knights don't have many Knights who would be able to sufficiently take down the Abyss Order. As of right now, we would need the help of Mondstat's Honorary Knight."

"Its no problem, right Xiao?" You asked the adeptus who had stayed quiet the whole conversation.

"Sure," he replied in his usual rough tone.

"Then let's get going," Aether grinned as he held your wrist and pulled him along with you. "Bye Jean. We'll come back soon."

"Goodbye. Thank you for your assistance."

Xiao and Paimon followed after the two of you. Holding a map in front of him, Aether led all of you towards the place where the Abyss Order was active.

Quickly heading towards a teleport waypoint, the four of you finally made it to the destination that you were heading towards. Using his elemental sight, Aether found traces of elemental magic from the Abyss Mages.

Sneaking towards the camp of the abyss mages, you found them lazing about. There were three of them, each with their own element. One hydro, one pyro, and one cyro. It would be troublesome the moment that the mages would active their shield so you all planned for Xiao to head in for the attack first since he was the fastest. With that, at least the enemies would be able to sustain some damage to then make it easier to kill them off.

"You can leave the support to me," you grinned while bring out your catalyst book.

"Got it," Aether grinned back.

Xiao quickly went in for the attack giving the mages some damage right before they activated their shields. The moment they did that, Aether went in to help Xiao. You activated your support circle where the abyss mages and your friends where grouped. When you activated it, not only did Xiao and Aether get their strength increased, the abyss mages were also attacked by anemk swirl which finally broke their shields.

They laid on the ground unconscious while Xiao and Aether with their weapons attacked them while you attacked them with your anemo powers.

Shortly after, the abyss mages were defeated and they turned to dust in defeat.

"Great job you guys," Paimon cheered as she flew around.

You laughed from her cheers and Aether joined you while Xiao simply gave a small smile.

"Good job Aether, Xiao," you said. "That was amazing. We beat those abyss mages really fast."

"You too," Aether grinned.

"Xiao, that was amazing," you complimented the adeptus.

"Has your mastery over your element increased?" Xiao asked you, putting to the side the compliment that you had given him. "It seemed like the power boost was even stronger than before."

"You noticed?" You eyes shone with admiration. "I've been training!"

"Good job," Xiao pat your head.

You grinned at him with pure joy. You had been training your abilities during the time that Xiao and Aether were resting so you had gotten even stronger than before. Though usually training was the last thing on your mind, lately you couldn't help but feel like you wanted to support your two companions even more. So in hopes of accomplishing that goal, you had trained for the past week.

It was unexpected when Xiao had mentioned how stronger you had grown since you were pretty sure that it wasn't that obvious but you were incredibly happy when Xiao had noticed the small change in your abilities. It made you feel like all the effort was really worth it.

"Thanks Xiao!"

While the two of you were having your cute moment, Paimon hung around Aether.

"Those two are super cute," Paimon giggled. "If I hadn't met them before, I would say that they were a couple."

Aether didn't say anything about Paimon's comment. Or rather, he couldn't say anything. His heart felt unbearably tight as he watched you and Xiao interact with each other. His heart ached when all of your attention was turned on him.

The traveler looked away, his heart not able to handle all of his current feelings. Letting out a deep sigh, he placed a smile on his face and ran up to you and Xiao.

He couldn't let his feelings show. If it did show, he knew without a doubt that his heart would break. He knew that his heart would be wounded.

After all, in his eyes, it was clear where your heart belonged.